In a move that could only be described as a true Mission: Impossible maneuver, Hollywood icon Tom Cruise made a completely unexpected visit to the set of the hit CBS prequel series, ‘NCIS: Origins.’ The surprise drop-in on the Paramount lot instantly became a viral moment, injecting A-list star power and genuine enthusiasm into the production of the show, which details the early life of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
The visit, which occurred as the series kicked off its second season, was quickly documented by the cast and crew, including the show’s co-showrunner, David J. North, and Austin Stowell, who plays the younger version of Gibbs. The collective sentiment was summed up perfectly in North’s caption thanking the movie star: “Thanks for all the advice and the love, Tom.” This serendipitous encounter not only provided a huge morale boost but also unveiled a surprising, intentional creative link between the NCIS universe and one of Cruise’s most iconic franchises.
A VIP on Set: The Cruise Effect
Tom Cruise, a star who has almost exclusively focused on blockbuster cinema throughout his career, rarely steps into the world of television production. His impromptu appearance on the NCIS: Origins set, therefore, was a monumental occasion for the cast and crew.
The Star-Struck Cast and Crew
Photos and social media posts quickly circulated showing Cruise posing arm-in-arm with stars like Austin Stowell, Tyla Abercrumbie, and Caleb Foote. Austin Stowell, embracing the moment with a nod to Cruise’s biggest roles, even captioned a photo with the star, “Gibbs & Hunt, NCIS: Impossible.” .
The sheer energy of the visit, which reportedly included Cruise offering advice and sharing stories, highlights the actor’s famed professionalism and dedication. For the burgeoning cast of a prequel series, having one of the world’s biggest movie stars express “much support to our show and the entire NCISverse” is invaluable validation.
Advice and Encouragement
While the specifics of the advice Cruise shared remain private, a veteran star known for performing his own daring stunts and demanding excellence on every film set likely offered words of wisdom on everything from performance to maintaining focus during a grueling production schedule. Cruise is legendary for his work ethic, and even a brief exchange with him undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the NCIS: Origins team as they navigate the pressure of expanding a decades-old, beloved franchise.
The Surprising ‘Top Gun’ Connection
Perhaps the most fascinating revelation to come out of the surprise set visit was the hidden creative tribute to Tom Cruise’s filmography embedded within the NCIS: Origins set design.
Co-showrunner David J. North disclosed on Instagram that a key location in the series—Daly’s bar—was intentionally designed with a specific influence in mind. North wrote: “[Co-showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal] and I took inspo from the bar in Top Gun when we dreamt up our bar, Daly’s. So we were stoked he approved lol.”
This subtle homage is a brilliant piece of franchise synergy.
- Daly’s Bar: In NCIS: Origins, this bar serves as a key location for young Gibbs and his team, including Special Agent Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid), to unwind and strategize. It’s the classic, dark, comforting after-hours spot.
- Top Gun‘s Bar: The famed bar from the original Top Gun is a legendary movie setting, a place where competitive energy, camaraderie, and dramatic tension play out.
The fact that the showrunners paid tribute to a definitive military film classic—one that embodies the masculine, mission-driven ethos that ultimately shaped Gibbs’s character—deepens the emotional resonance of the set. Cruise’s approval of this stylistic choice is a full-circle moment for the producers who drew inspiration from his work.
The Expanding NCIS Universe and Cross-Studio Support
Cruise’s visit is notable because it underscores the importance of the Paramount lot as a hub for major productions and a breeding ground for franchise crossovers, even unexpected ones. While Cruise is known for his work with Paramount on the Mission: Impossible and Top Gun series, his appearance serves to highlight the collaborative spirit of the entertainment industry.
The NCIS franchise, which now spans multiple hit series like the original NCIS, NCIS: Hawai’i, NCIS: Sydney, and the new spin-off NCIS: Tony & Ziva, is a cornerstone of CBS and Paramount Global. NCIS: Origins, with its focus on the 1991 beginnings of the Leroy Jethro Gibbs character, grounds the entire timeline and has become a crucial pillar of the NCISverse.
The presence of a global film titan signals that the prequel is not just an important piece of network television history but a significant production worthy of Hollywood’s biggest names. This kind of high-profile support can have a tangible impact:
- Increased Visibility: Cruise’s appearance draws international media attention to the prequel, helping to market the series to a broader audience beyond the established NCIS viewership.
- Talent Recruitment: Endorsements from a figure like Cruise can make the NCISverse even more attractive to high-caliber actors, writers, and directors looking to join a successful and respected production.
Gibbs’ Legacy: From Probie to Legend
The actor at the center of the series, Austin Stowell, has the monumental task of portraying the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a role immortalized by Mark Harmon. Stowell has spoken openly about his commitment to honoring Harmon’s performance without resorting to a mere impression, aiming instead to capture the essence and foundational qualities of the iconic character.
Cruise’s presence—a star who embodies a certain type of cool, dedicated, and highly skilled protagonist—directly relates to the journey of Gibbs in Origins. The prequel shows Gibbs as a newly minted NIS (Naval Investigative Service, the precursor to NCIS) agent, learning the ropes from his legendary mentor, Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid). He is a “probie” who will one day become the unflappable, head-slapping boss fans know and love.
The advice and encouragement from Cruise serves as a metaphorical mentorship for Stowell himself, providing him with a real-life boost as he takes on one of TV’s most beloved characters. As NCIS: Origins continues its successful second season run, Cruise’s surprise visit will stand as a legendary behind-the-scenes story—a moment where Hollywood’s ultimate secret agent gave his blessing to the next generation of crime fighters. The spirit of action, loyalty, and cinematic cool, which defines both Tom Cruise’s films and the NCIS franchise, was perfectly aligned on the Paramount lot.
